Vandersteens, PSB or something else?


I’m looking to upgrade my speakers and would appreciate some input. My system includes ayre amp, aesthetix calypso preamp, and vandy 2c sig IIs. The room is relatively large at 23’ wide (speakers on this side) by 27’. I would like speakers that are good at both music and home theatre. I plan to run HT pass through and 5.1 overall. For music, I listen to a lot of classic rock, blues and jazz. Not too much classical. I do enjoy live Dead and Allman Brothers. I’d like the speakers to image well and present a nice soundstage but also really draw me in emotionally to the music. For home theater, I’d like to be able to include a center channel and get a decent theater experience. The vandies, really no complaints, they have served me very well. But I have budget to take the next step and was thinking maybe the Treos. But once I make this next step, I would not be making any moves for a while, so wanted to explore other alternatives as well. The PSB Imagine T3’s seem to have been reviewed well and may be worth a test. My budget would allow for these, and I guess I could possibly go up to the quatro for the right deal. Any other ideas that, given my musical preference, room, budget could be worth a shot? I have to admit, sometimes I do wonder if the live recordings that I’m listening too would really benefit from a big upgrade to the speakers.

sb_caribou
all are good; add Magnepan 3.7i to your auditions - easily had at $4k for used, or $6k at a dealer

I eventually replaced my Vandies with Maggies

Yes, the live recordings that you're listening to would really benefit from a big upgrade to the speakers - I listen to the same and it is a huge difference, esp. with Dave's Picks or the new release of the first GD album, much less A. Bros.

include room tmts. in your budget
Thanks for the comments.  Maggies.  Hmmm.  Hadn't thought of those.  You think they'd be good at delivering the home theater angle too?  
I think you will find that every move up the Vandersteen line will be an improvement over the previous model. The Quatro’s are really great at Music and HT and may be the sweet spot in the line. With a room your size I am not sure the Treo’s will work for you. You might also try the 3A Sigs with a pair of Vandersteen subs. They also make some nice center channel speakers like the VCC-2.

I would reach each out to Vandersteen or to John Rutan at the Audio Connection to get some advice. Since you have been happy with Vandersteen for a while I think it makes more sense to upgrade within the line than to switch to another brand. Just my opinion and YMMV.

Good Luck!
+1 for Joey54
Johnny R is the best person to speak with. (PM him at 'audioconnection' here on Agon.
Quatro's would be a match made in heaven, otherwise the Treo's with a pair of 2wq subs. I personally wouldn't go for the 3a sigs as the newer models provide so much better sound quality.-And, yes, I owned the 3a sig's before moving to the Treo's+subs.
I can see Maggie's as a contender, but remember that they need more power, perhaps even a Zero autoformer to help the amp with the lower impedences. (Though even Vandies can sound better with Zero's).
B

I would agree with several others here that if you enjoyed the sound and staging of the model 2 Sigs. that you stay with Vandersteens.  Either Quatros or Treos plus stereo subs. (2wq).  Either way you should be a happy camper!

Nothing against Maggies but they may not be the ideal choice for the music you prefer.